A New Milestone in the Cultural Partnership Between the Netherlands and Indonesia With great pride, Stichting Gema Rasa is delighted to announce an exciting new chapter in its international journey. Nur Indrawati, widely known as mbak Wati, has officially joined Stichting Gema Rasa Abroad as our International Artistic Advisor.
A New Milestone in the Cultural Partnership Between the Netherlands and Indonesia
With great pride, Stichting Gema Rasa is delighted to announce an exciting new chapter in its international journey.
Nur Indrawati, widely known as mbak Wati, has officially joined Stichting Gema Rasa Abroad as our International Artistic Advisor.
Her appointment marks an important milestone in the continued growth of our international network and further strengthens the cultural bridge between the Netherlands and Indonesia. Together, we share a common mission: to preserve, develop and pass on the rich traditions of Javanese performing arts, intangible cultural heritage and the timeless wisdom that lies at the heart of Javanese culture.
Mbak Wati is widely respected in Indonesia as an artistic director, show director, choreographer, educator and cultural practitioner. Based in Yogyakarta, she has dedicated many years to nurturing and preserving the classical and traditional performing arts of Java. Her extensive experience, artistic vision and passion for cultural preservation have made her an inspiring figure within Indonesia's cultural community.
For Stichting Gema Rasa, mbak Wati has become much more than an artistic leader. Since our very first collaboration, a relationship has grown that is built on mutual trust, respect and a shared commitment to safeguarding and celebrating Javanese culture.
As Show Director, she provided the artistic leadership for The Purity of Dewi Shinta (Ramayana) on 30 November 2025. She later returned to lead Andhe Andhe Lumut, which was successfully staged in the Netherlands on 12 July 2026. Throughout both productions, she guided Dutch and Indonesian dancers, gamelan musicians, singers and performers through an intensive artistic journey, where the focus extended far beyond technique to embrace the deeper meaning behind every movement, melody and story.
This is where mbak Wati truly stands out.
To her, a performance is never merely a production. Every artistic work is an opportunity to connect history, identity, philosophy and community. At the heart of her teaching are the four fundamental principles of Javanese dance philosophy: Sawiji (complete focus and inner unity), Greget (inner spirit and passion), Sengguh (self-confidence balanced with humility) and Ora Mingkuh (perseverance and unwavering commitment in the face of challenges).
These principles not only define her artistic approach but also resonate deeply with Stichting Gema Rasa's mission to connect people, generations and cultures through authentic Javanese arts, cultural heritage and education.
With mbak Wati joining us as International Artistic Advisor, our vision reaches beyond theatre productions alone. Together, we look forward to expanding international cultural exchange, sharing knowledge, developing artistic talent, creating educational programmes and building new collaborations that strengthen the cultural ties between Indonesia and the Netherlands.
According to Ference Wongsokario-Nojotaroeno, Founder and Chair of Stichting Gema Rasa:
"From the very beginning of our collaboration, I felt that mbak Wati brought far more than her remarkable artistic expertise. She carries the soul of Javanese culture. She teaches us not only how to create a performance, but more importantly, why these traditions matter. Through her patience, dedication and genuine love for the arts, she inspires people not simply to learn, but to truly experience and understand. Having her join Stichting Gema Rasa as our International Artistic Advisor is both an honour and a testament to the trust we have built together over the years."
Mbak Wati's appointment is not only a meaningful recognition of the partnership we have cultivated in recent years, but also an investment in the future of our organisation and its international ambitions.
Because cultural heritage does not live only in books or museums.
It lives in the people who continue to share their knowledge with love.
It lives on the stage.
In the music.
In the dance.
In the stories.
And above all, in the connections we create with one another.
We warmly welcome mbak Wati to the international family of Stichting Gema Rasa and look forward to everything we will create together in the years ahead.
Sugeng Rawuh, mbak Wati.
Selamat bergabung dalam keluarga besar Stichting Gema Rasa.